The Unhealthy Truth About Coupons

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Coupons may trim your food costs, but they won't do the same for your waist: In a study of six national grocery chains' online coupons, fewer than 5% were for fruits, veggies, or unprocessed meats. A full 25% offered discounts on snack foods, candies, and desserts — and that's not even counting the sugary drinks.

"They are a way to sell you something, so treat coupons like ads," says senior author Hilary Seligman, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco. Her advice: Check manufacturers' sites for deals on items like low-fat yogurt and frozen veggies.

And, to get the most out of your next shopping trip without relying on diet-busting coupons, try:

1. Check the weekly circulars for sales before you head to the store to insure you're getting the best price.

2. Always shop equipped with a list, and stick to it. Not only will this keep you from straying, but it will also keep you from spending too much.

3. It might seem easy to add supermarket rotisserie chicken to your dinner salad, but you shouldn't buy it just for its convenience cost. You can roast your own three-pounder in an hour with inexpensive herbs for half the price.